POLAND  Marissa Jeanne Plakosh, 18, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 15, after an accidental shooting at her home. She was rushed to St. Elizabeths Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
Marissa was born on June 22, 1989 at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Youngstown, the daughter of Jeanne (Salata) and Michael Plakosh.
Marissa attended Poland schools through the years and had touched many hearts along the way. She was a 2007 graduate of Poland Seminary High School where she amassed numerous accomplishments. She worked very diligently to excel in school as she was a member of the National Honor Society. She was also a member of the Spanish Club, a participant in Student Leadership, and a recipient of the award for Excellence in Scholarship for the years 2003 to 2007. In addition, Marissas academic accomplishments, she was a very talented athlete as she played softball, lettered in golf for three years and also achieved two letters in track her junior and senior year.
Thriving in school and in sports wasnt enough for Marissa as she maintained two part time jobs at Handels and at Fonderlac Country Club during her last two years of high school.
It was Marissas dream to attend The Ohio State University as she applied to the school on the first day that they began accepting applications. She was ecstatic when she received the acceptance letter confirming her admission into Buckeye Nation.
Marissa successfully completed autumn quarter 2007 at The Ohio State University while carrying on her scholastic prosperity. She had aspirations of majoring in human nutrition, and despite her short time there, she managed to make many good friends.
Marissa was a Buckeye through and through, and she idolized Coach Jim Tressel. Some of her finest memories took place on fall football Saturdays at Ohio Stadium.
If Marissa knew from birth that she would only have 18 years to enjoy her life, she would have behaved no differently. She had no regrets as she lived everyday to the fullest. She always made the most productive and efficient use of her time. She made it a point to work out every day at the Boardman YMCA, and if the sun was shining, she was outside enjoying every ray.
Marissa was privileged enough to travel extensively throughout her life, and she loved to vacation near any beach, including her aunt and uncles homes in Keuka Lake, N.Y. and Ft. Myers, Fla.
Above everything else, Marissa cherished the time that she had with her friends and family. She had an endearing affection for her best friends with whom she would spend countless hours joking and having fun. Marissas quick-witted sense of humor spared few from laughter. Even in school, Marissa lived to make people laugh, blessing everyone around her with her radiant smile that could light up a small country.
Marissa leaves behind her mother, Jeanne; her brother, Michael; and her father, Mike. She was also beloved by her grandparents, Florence and Mike Plakosh; and her grandfather, Joseph Salata. She will be sadly missed by her great-aunt, Mary Zivchak, who was like a grandmother to her. Two special people, who were an essential part of Marissas upbringing, were Donna and Bob Simerlink, who babysat Marissa and Michael from birth. Marissa had several aunts and uncles who have been an integral part of her life, including her godparents, Rick and Bonnie Salata, Joe and Martha Salata, Judy and Tim Babnich, Dr. Robert and Jody Salata, Carol and Gary Bertnick, Dean and Diana Colaianni, and Joe and Michelle Plakosh. Marissa also leaves 14 cousins, with whom she was very close. The holidays will not be the same without her.
Besides the loved ones that she leaves behind, we also remember the ones that went before her; most notably her two grandmothers, Margaret and Celestine Salata. We hope that they are holding Marissa in their arms, comforting her in heaven.
Calling hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kubina-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 5925 Market St. in Boardman.
There will be a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell St. in Youngstown where additional calling hours are planned from 9 to 10 a.m. at the back of the church just prior to the Mass.
As an alternative to flowers, material contributions can be made as donations to St. Matthias Church or to the Youngstown YMCA, Att: Ken Rudge.
Friends and family may visit http://missyou.last-memories.com/ to pay further tribute to Marissa.